Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) through the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to meaningfully contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development (TAGDEV 2.0) program, on March 5, 2026 signed an MoU with Atsikana Walani Girls Technical College.

The MoU with the college managed by the Moravian Humanitarian Development Services (MOHDEVS), seeks to support girls technical and vocational training in specific areas that promote entrepreneurship and job creation.

The TAGDEV 2.0, a partnership between Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agricture (RUFORUM) and Mastercard Foundation, seeks to build skills among young females (70 percent), internally displaced people and refugees (25 percent) and differently abled people (10 percent). 

Speaking during the signing ceremony held at Atsikana Walani Girls Technical College in Lilongwe, MOHDEVS Executive Director Jonna Sinyangwe said the MoU will help expand opportunities for girls.

He said the college focuses on empowering disadvantaged girls, including refugees, appreciated the technical support the TAGDEV 2.0 program will bring.

“The aim is to change lives for disadvantaged young girls for the better. We pride ourselves as being transparent, respectful and welcoming. We have already briefed our other partners about this and they too are excited and we see us together expanding our collaboration going forward,” said Sinyangwe.

TAGDEV 2.0 program Entrepreneurship and Business Development Manager Dr Bonnet Kamwana, said through the MoU, the program will support marginalized young girls who often face barriers in accessing skills training.

He said under the program, MUST is working with several partners at different levels to ensure that its reach is wider.

“Atsikana Walani is the first technical college we are working with formally but we will be expanding to cover others. Already, we are discussing with TEVETA to hasten this process. We are also working with other universities such as LUANAR, MZUNI and UNILIA,” he said.

LUANAR, through Associate Tinna Manani and Dr Vincent Mgoli Mwale, attended the MoU signing ceremony as they too have an interest in TAGDEV 2.0 activities.

TAGDEV 2.0 is an Africa wide program implemented by 12 universities across the continent and in Malawi, MUST is the lead.